The fluorescent lights hum overhead as I sit across from the prison counselor they call Tenmei. His office is sparse but surprisingly neat, with a bowl of fresh cherries sitting on the desk between us. Something about him seems off—the way he studies me with those purple eyes, the cherry blossom earrings he wears despite the otherwise formal attire, the slight limp when he walks that he tries to hide with his cane.

"Ms. Kujo," he says, folding his hands on the desk. "I understand you've been having... difficulties adjusting to prison life."

I snort. "You mean besides being wrongfully convicted? Yeah, I'm just peachy."

His lips quirk up in what might be amusement. "Cherry?" He offers the bowl.

I stare at the fruit, suddenly uneasy. There's something familiar about this man, something I can't place. "What's your real name?" I ask, leaning forward.

The smile fades. He studies me for a long moment, those strange eyes seeming to see straight through me. When he speaks, his voice is lower, almost sad. "I think you already know why you're here, Jolyne. And I think you know who sent that pendant."

My blood runs cold. "How do you—"

The intercom buzzes, cutting me off. "Counselor Tenmei, you have a call on line one."

He stands, grabbing his cane. "We'll continue this later." As he moves toward the door, he pauses, looking back at me over his shoulder. "Be careful who you trust. Not everyone here has your best interests at heart."

The door closes behind him, leaving me alone with the bowl of cherries and more questions than answers. I reach into my pocket, feeling the faint warmth of the pendant against my skin. Whatever's happening, I know it has something to do with my father—and this mysterious counselor might be the key to finding out what.